play

Garden columnist Eve Hanlin is a landscape designer and professional plant nerd in the Clark County, Wash., area. She has a knack for low-maintenance landscapes that serve a greater purpose. Her ultimate goal is to help others foster their passions for the botanical world and live healthier, more sustainable lifestyles. Visit her website, www.GardensByEvelyn.com for resources, and details regarding her design work, consultation services, and upcoming classes and workshops. Photo by Jessica Swanson

Study after study is proving that children benefit (physically and cognitively) from time spent in nature. Reduced levels of stress, depression, & aggravation, increased ability to concentrate, reduced risk of obesity and diabetes, and improved academic performance are just a few of the benefits.* Additionally, children love spending time outdoors when they have the space. Many people believe that their backyards are too small to provide the opportunity for nature-adventures, but this is never the case. You do not need a large yard, nor do you need construction skills, a large budget or hours to spare. Here are some things anyone can do to add more nature play space to their yard.

Bring in a diversity of materials

Sensory items are great for all ages. Most materials can be accumulated by networking with those who have an overabundance. Bring in rocks. Logs. Plants. Branches. Tires. Pinecones. These things aren’t necessarily fancy. They are often things that people with an overabundance aim to get rid of. These things will become toys and building materials.

Sandboxes, dirt piles, gravel areas, mulch, and similar provide fantastic opportunities for play (an old, small tent can become a perfect, shady, rain-proof sandbox that can be zipped closed).

Turn ‘inside’ toys into ‘outside’ toys

Plastic things can be easily cleaned, so why not get them dirty? Small figurines can be live in miniature twig forts and chairs made out of flower petals. “Clothes” for dolls and figures can be easily crafted from large leaves and rubber bands. Dump trucks are MADE for piles of gravel, sand, dirt or wood chips. A plastic kitchen set can make for mud pie heaven.

Plant things that:

Create a cool, shady play environment, or to grow into havens, thickets, forts and hideaways.

Can be picked and played with, are texturally interesting and interactive (snapdragons snap, herbs smell, and sword fern fiddleheads are fuzzy).

That attract fascinating wildlife and mimic natural environments.

That are edible and useful. Many fruiting shrubs can be more or less neglected and still produce tasty snacks. Kids can become very passionate about gardening, as well.

That are SAFE. No poisonous berries, thanks. If something is not safe, just be sure the kiddos are mature enough to be careful.

Whenever you can, start with larger plants to create play spaces as quickly as possible. The larger the plant, of course, the more expensive. However, the sooner plants can serve their function in the landscape, the better. Children grow up fast, sometimes faster than the plants seem to.

Consider a lawn reduction

When most people want to design a yard for kids, they first think that children need as much grass as possible for picnics and rolling around. While there are many fun things that require grass, children tend to gravitate to more diverse and interactive parts of the landscape. Most of the year in our Pacific Northwest, lawns tend to be too soggy to be much fun, anyway. Remember that soil should always be covered by something (like wood chip mulch) to reduce weeding and maintenance. Also, children love dandelions. Quit exposing children to lawn chemicals and let nature fill in. A few weeds will attract wildlife and inspire wildflower tiaras and weedy bouquets. Children can learn how to respect honeybees while watching them crawl all over clover blossoms.

Water, water everywhere

Water is so much fun! It’s also an imperative ingredient in mud pies. Leaf boats can be floated in puddles or bird baths. Bringing in water in the form of buckets, bird baths, concrete basins, mock riverbeds, and more can provide many opportunities for fun.

Build a fort, or three!

Many of us grew up with a fort in our lives at one point or another. If a fort cannot be made using materials onsite or carved out of a large shrub, they are easy to craft. Old blankets or tarps can be thrown over teepees or frames made of sticks. Bamboo poles of varying lengths, paired with string, can provide the opportunity for young people to gain construction skills. Forts can also be planted, such as a circle of sunflowers, beans up a trellis or shrubs along a fence.

Incorporate wildlife

Let young people help attract wildlife. This inspires a special connection with the creepy crawlies that will show up when the environment is right. Brush piles create havens for snakes and small critters. Compost piles attract decomposers and worms. Mason bees do not sting, and homes for them can be easily built and installed. Sheltered plantings around water sources attract dragonflies, frogs and bathing birds.

Embrace whimsy!

It is possible to incorporate kiddos’ specific interests into the outdoor space, as well. Do you know a young pirate? Seek out an old boat and bury it partway into the ground, so it doesn’t tip. Add a steering wheel and a flag, and adventure awaits. Have someone who loves little cars? Paint street lines on planks of wood. These can be put together and rearranged into roadways around the yard. The possibilities are endless.

*Learn more about the benefits of nature play in the article “Childhood Development and Access to Nature” (University of Colorado, March 22nd, 2009).

The Serendipity Players present "When Pigs Fly," a musical extravaganza by Howard Crabtree, Mark Waldrop, and Dick Gallagher. For this production, the Serendipity Players have combined forces with Eagles Aerie 2158, and proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Diabetes Research Center and other Eagles Aerie 2158 charities.

On March 28, 29, April 4, 5, 11, and 12, the performace will include a cocktail hour from 5 to 6 p.m. and dinner from 6 to 7 p.m. Tickets for dinner shows are $30 per person. For those who'd just like to see the play, tickets are $20 per person, and performances will be held at 2 p.m. on March 30, April 6, and 13.

All performances will be at the Eagles Lodge, 107 E. 7th St. in Vancouver. To purchase tickets, call 360-834-3588. This is not a family-type evening; the show's mature language and themes make it unsuitable for children. For more information, visit the Serendipity Players website.

The Serendipity Players present "When Pigs Fly," a musical extravaganza by Howard Crabtree, Mark Waldrop, and Dick Gallagher. For this production, the Serendipity Players have combined forces with Eagles Aerie 2158, and proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Diabetes Research Center and other Eagles Aerie 2158 charities.

On March 28, 29, April 4, 5, 11, and 12, the performace will include a cocktail hour from 5 to 6 p.m. and dinner from 6 to 7 p.m. Tickets for dinner shows are $30 per person. For those who'd just like to see the play, tickets are $20 per person, and performances will be held at 2 p.m. on March 30, April 6, and 13.

All performances will be at the Eagles Lodge, 107 E. 7th St. in Vancouver. To purchase tickets, call 360-834-3588. This is not a family-type evening; the show's mature language and themes make it unsuitable for children. For more information, visit the Serendipity Players website.

The Serendipity Players present "When Pigs Fly," a musical extravaganza by Howard Crabtree, Mark Waldrop, and Dick Gallagher. For this production, the Serendipity Players have combined forces with Eagles Aerie 2158, and proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Diabetes Research Center and other Eagles Aerie 2158 charities.

On March 28, 29, April 4, 5, 11, and 12, the performace will include a cocktail hour from 5 to 6 p.m. and dinner from 6 to 7 p.m. Tickets for dinner shows are $30 per person. For those who'd just like to see the play, tickets are $20 per person, and performances will be held at 2 p.m. on March 30, April 6, and 13.

All performances will be at the Eagles Lodge, 107 E. 7th St. in Vancouver. To purchase tickets, call 360-834-3588. This is not a family-type evening; the show's mature language and themes make it unsuitable for children. For more information, visit the Serendipity Players website.

The Serendipity Players present "When Pigs Fly," a musical extravaganza by Howard Crabtree, Mark Waldrop, and Dick Gallagher. For this production, the Serendipity Players have combined forces with Eagles Aerie 2158, and proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Diabetes Research Center and other Eagles Aerie 2158 charities.

On March 28, 29, April 4, 5, 11, and 12, the performace will include a cocktail hour from 5 to 6 p.m. and dinner from 6 to 7 p.m. Tickets for dinner shows are $30 per person. For those who'd just like to see the play, tickets are $20 per person, and performances will be held at 2 p.m. on March 30, April 6, and 13.

All performances will be at the Eagles Lodge, 107 E. 7th St. in Vancouver. To purchase tickets, call 360-834-3588. This is not a family-type evening; the show's mature language and themes make it unsuitable for children. For more information, visit the Serendipity Players website.

The Serendipity Players present "When Pigs Fly," a musical extravaganza by Howard Crabtree, Mark Waldrop, and Dick Gallagher. For this production, the Serendipity Players have combined forces with Eagles Aerie 2158, and proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Diabetes Research Center and other Eagles Aerie 2158 charities.

On March 28, 29, April 4, 5, 11, and 12, the performace will include a cocktail hour from 5 to 6 p.m. and dinner from 6 to 7 p.m. Tickets for dinner shows are $30 per person. For those who'd just like to see the play, tickets are $20 per person, and performances will be held at 2 p.m. on March 30, April 6, and 13.

All performances will be at the Eagles Lodge, 107 E. 7th St. in Vancouver. To purchase tickets, call 360-834-3588. This is not a family-type evening; the show's mature language and themes make it unsuitable for children. For more information, visit the Serendipity Players website.

Clark College Theatre presents "Spring Awakening," a musical by Steven Sater with composer Duncan Sheik. Winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, "Spring Awakening" is a rock musical adaptation of Frank Wedekind's 1891 expressionist play about the trials, tribulations, and exhilaration of the teen years. Clark College's production celebrates the journey from youth to adulthood with music and poignant dialogue.

"Spring Awakening" premieres at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 28, with subsequent showings at the same time on March 1, 7, 8, 13, 14, and 15. There will also be a 2 p.m. matinee performance on Saturday, March 8. Ticket prices are $11 for Clark College students and alumni, $13 for senior citizens, or $15 general admission. Purchase tickets in person at the Clark College Bookstore in Gaiser Hall on the downtown Vancouver campus at 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, online at www.clarkbookstore.com/site_theatre.asp, or call 360-992-2815.

Clark College Theatre presents "Spring Awakening," a musical by Steven Sater with composer Duncan Sheik. Winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, "Spring Awakening" is a rock musical adaptation of Frank Wedekind's 1891 expressionist play about the trials, tribulations, and exhilaration of the teen years. Clark College's production celebrates the journey from youth to adulthood with music and poignant dialogue.

"Spring Awakening" premieres at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 28, with subsequent showings at the same time on March 1, 7, 8, 13, 14, and 15. There will also be a 2 p.m. matinee performance on Saturday, March 8. Ticket prices are $11 for Clark College students and alumni, $13 for senior citizens, or $15 general admission. Purchase tickets in person at the Clark College Bookstore in Gaiser Hall on the downtown Vancouver campus at 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, online at www.clarkbookstore.com/site_theatre.asp, or call 360-992-2815.

Clark College Theatre presents "Spring Awakening," a musical by Steven Sater with composer Duncan Sheik. Winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, "Spring Awakening" is a rock musical adaptation of Frank Wedekind's 1891 expressionist play about the trials, tribulations, and exhilaration of the teen years. Clark College's production celebrates the journey from youth to adulthood with music and poignant dialogue.

"Spring Awakening" premieres at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 28, with subsequent showings at the same time on March 1, 7, 8, 13, 14, and 15. There will also be a 2 p.m. matinee performance on Saturday, March 8. Ticket prices are $11 for Clark College students and alumni, $13 for senior citizens, or $15 general admission. Purchase tickets in person at the Clark College Bookstore in Gaiser Hall on the downtown Vancouver campus at 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, online at www.clarkbookstore.com/site_theatre.asp, or call 360-992-2815.

Clark College Theatre presents "Spring Awakening," a musical by Steven Sater with composer Duncan Sheik. Winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, "Spring Awakening" is a rock musical adaptation of Frank Wedekind's 1891 expressionist play about the trials, tribulations, and exhilaration of the teen years. Clark College's production celebrates the journey from youth to adulthood with music and poignant dialogue.

"Spring Awakening" premieres at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 28, with subsequent showings at the same time on March 1, 7, 8, 13, 14, and 15. There will also be a 2 p.m. matinee performance on Saturday, March 8. Ticket prices are $11 for Clark College students and alumni, $13 for senior citizens, or $15 general admission. Purchase tickets in person at the Clark College Bookstore in Gaiser Hall on the downtown Vancouver campus at 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, online at www.clarkbookstore.com/site_theatre.asp, or call 360-992-2815.

Clark College Theatre presents "Spring Awakening," a musical by Steven Sater with composer Duncan Sheik. Winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, "Spring Awakening" is a rock musical adaptation of Frank Wedekind's 1891 expressionist play about the trials, tribulations, and exhilaration of the teen years. Clark College's production celebrates the journey from youth to adulthood with music and poignant dialogue.

"Spring Awakening" premieres at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 28, with subsequent showings at the same time on March 1, 7, 8, 13, 14, and 15. There will also be a 2 p.m. matinee performance on Saturday, March 8. Ticket prices are $11 for Clark College students and alumni, $13 for senior citizens, or $15 general admission. Purchase tickets in person at the Clark College Bookstore in Gaiser Hall on the downtown Vancouver campus at 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, online at www.clarkbookstore.com/site_theatre.asp, or call 360-992-2815.

Clark College Theatre presents "Spring Awakening," a musical by Steven Sater with composer Duncan Sheik. Winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, "Spring Awakening" is a rock musical adaptation of Frank Wedekind's 1891 expressionist play about the trials, tribulations, and exhilaration of the teen years. Clark College's production celebrates the journey from youth to adulthood with music and poignant dialogue.

"Spring Awakening" premieres at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 28, with subsequent showings at the same time on March 1, 7, 8, 13, 14, and 15. There will also be a 2 p.m. matinee performance on Saturday, March 8. Ticket prices are $11 for Clark College students and alumni, $13 for senior citizens, or $15 general admission. Purchase tickets in person at the Clark College Bookstore in Gaiser Hall on the downtown Vancouver campus at 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, online at www.clarkbookstore.com/site_theatre.asp, or call 360-992-2815.

Clark College Theatre presents "Spring Awakening," a musical by Steven Sater with composer Duncan Sheik. Winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, "Spring Awakening" is a rock musical adaptation of Frank Wedekind's 1891 expressionist play about the trials, tribulations, and exhilaration of the teen years. Clark College's production celebrates the journey from youth to adulthood with music and poignant dialogue.

"Spring Awakening" premieres at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 28, with subsequent showings at the same time on March 1, 7, 8, 13, 14, and 15. There will also be a 2 p.m. matinee performance on Saturday, March 8. Ticket prices are $11 for Clark College students and alumni, $13 for senior citizens, or $15 general admission. Purchase tickets in person at the Clark College Bookstore in Gaiser Hall on the downtown Vancouver campus at 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, online at www.clarkbookstore.com/site_theatre.asp, or call 360-992-2815.

The Dixie Swim Club, a comedy directed by Jaynie Roberts, follows five vivacious women who, every year, set aside a long weekend in August to recharge their friendships. The play spans a period of 33 years, and sees the women rely on each other more and more to get through the challenges that life flings at them, including (but not necessarily limited to!) marriage, parenting, and aging.

Showtimes are at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, and 28, plus matinee performances at 2 p.m. on Feb. 22 and March 1. To purchase tickets online, click here. Tickets are also available at the theater on the day of the performance for $1 more. To purchase season tickets, call 360-635-4358 or click here.

The Dixie Swim Club, a comedy directed by Jaynie Roberts, follows five vivacious women who, every year, set aside a long weekend in August to recharge their friendships. The play spans a period of 33 years, and sees the women rely on each other more and more to get through the challenges that life flings at them, including (but not necessarily limited to!) marriage, parenting, and aging.

Showtimes are at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, and 28, plus matinee performances at 2 p.m. on Feb. 22 and March 1. To purchase tickets online, click here. Tickets are also available at the theater on the day of the performance for $1 more. To purchase season tickets, call 360-635-4358 or click here.

Clark College Theatre presents "Spring Awakening," a musical play by Steven Sater with composer Duncan Sheik. Winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, "Spring Awakening" is a rock musical adaptation of Frank Wedekind's 1891 expressionist play about the trials, tribulations, and exhilaration of the teen years. Clark College's production celebrates the journey from youth to adulthood with music and poignant dialogue.

"Spring Awakening" premieres at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 28, with subsequent showings at the same time on March 1, 7, 8, 13, 14, and 15. There will also be a 2 p.m. matinee performance on Saturday, March 8. Ticket prices are $11 for Clark College students and alumni, $13 for senior citizens, or $15 general admission. Purchase tickets in person at the Clark College Bookstore in Gaiser Hall on the downtown Vancouver campus at 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, online at www.clarkbookstore.com/site_theatre.asp, or call 360-992-2815.

The Dixie Swim Club, a comedy directed by Jaynie Roberts, follows five vivacious women who, every year, set aside a long weekend in August to recharge their friendships. The play spans a period of 33 years, and sees the women rely on each other more and more to get through the challenges that life flings at them, including (but not necessarily limited to!) marriage, parenting, and aging.

Showtimes are at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, and 28, plus matinee performances at 2 p.m. on Feb. 22 and March 1. To purchase tickets online, click here. Tickets are also available at the theater on the day of the performance for $1 more. To purchase season tickets, call 360-635-4358 or click here.

The Dixie Swim Club, a comedy directed by Jaynie Roberts, follows five vivacious women who, every year, set aside a long weekend in August to recharge their friendships. The play spans a period of 33 years, and sees the women rely on each other more and more to get through the challenges that life flings at them, including (but not necessarily limited to!) marriage, parenting, and aging.

Showtimes are at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, and 28, plus matinee performances at 2 p.m. on Feb. 22 and March 1. To purchase tickets online, click here. Tickets are also available at the theater on the day of the performance for $1 more. To purchase season tickets, call 360-635-4358 or click here.

The Dixie Swim Club, a comedy directed by Jaynie Roberts, follows five vivacious women who, every year, set aside a long weekend in August to recharge their friendships. The play spans a period of 33 years, and sees the women rely on each other more and more to get through the challenges that life flings at them, including (but not necessarily limited to!) marriage, parenting, and aging.

Showtimes are at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, and 28, plus matinee performances at 2 p.m. on Feb. 22 and March 1. To purchase tickets online, click here. Tickets are also available at the theater on the day of the performance for $1 more. To purchase season tickets, call 360-635-4358 or click here.

The Dixie Swim Club, a comedy directed by Jaynie Roberts, follows five vivacious women who, every year, set aside a long weekend in August to recharge their friendships. The play spans a period of 33 years, and sees the women rely on each other more and more to get through the challenges that life flings at them, including (but not necessarily limited to!) marriage, parenting, and aging.

Showtimes are at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, and 28, plus matinee performances at 2 p.m. on Feb. 22 and March 1. To purchase tickets online, click here. Tickets are also available at the theater on the day of the performance for $1 more. To purchase season tickets, call 360-635-4358 or click here.